Pathology/Lab Coding Alert
CPT 2012:
88312-88319: Revamp Your Special Stain Coding for Accurate Claims
3 groups clarify parallel services. Prepare for a CPT® special-stain overhaul starti... Read more
88312-88319: Revamp Your Special Stain Coding for Accurate Claims
3 groups clarify parallel services. Prepare for a CPT® special-stain overhaul starti... Read more
ICD-10:
C22.- Broadens Liver Cancer Options
Prepare for new liver biopsy diagnosis options.When you start using ICD-10 on Oct. 1, 2013... Read more
C22.- Broadens Liver Cancer Options
Prepare for new liver biopsy diagnosis options.When you start using ICD-10 on Oct. 1, 2013... Read more
Clip-and-Save:
Chart Your New Course for Special Stain Coding 2012
Clarify groups and units.Use the following table to look ahead to CPT® 2012 special ... Read more
Chart Your New Course for Special Stain Coding 2012
Clarify groups and units.Use the following table to look ahead to CPT® 2012 special ... Read more
CCI Edits:
87493 C. Difficile Test Catches More Restrictions Under CCI 17.3
Plus: Limit 86000 blood processing codes with HCPCS Level II 'P' codes.Already restricted ... Read more
87493 C. Difficile Test Catches More Restrictions Under CCI 17.3
Plus: Limit 86000 blood processing codes with HCPCS Level II 'P' codes.Already restricted ... Read more
Drug Screens 2012:
G0434 Payment Won't Change, CMS Says
Agency denies reconsideration request.Your lab will continue to get the same pay for a dip... Read more
G0434 Payment Won't Change, CMS Says
Agency denies reconsideration request.Your lab will continue to get the same pay for a dip... Read more
ICD-10:
Get it Right When DOS Spans ICD-9/ICD-10 Implementation Date
Distinguish "from" and "through" dates.You know you'll need to start using ICD-10 diagnosi... Read more
Get it Right When DOS Spans ICD-9/ICD-10 Implementation Date
Distinguish "from" and "through" dates.You know you'll need to start using ICD-10 diagnosi... Read more
Reader Question:
Keep 'V' Code for Screening
Question: When a physician orders a screening FOBT test due to blood in the stool, is the ... Read more
Keep 'V' Code for Screening
Question: When a physician orders a screening FOBT test due to blood in the stool, is the ... Read more
Reader Question:
Prepare for New ABN Form
Question: Can we continue to use our 2008 version ABN forms after the first of the year si... Read more
Prepare for New ABN Form
Question: Can we continue to use our 2008 version ABN forms after the first of the year si... Read more
Reader Question:
238.3 Requires Specific Diagnosis
Question: The pathologist examines an FNA from a "breast mass" and is unable to provide a ... Read more
238.3 Requires Specific Diagnosis
Question: The pathologist examines an FNA from a "breast mass" and is unable to provide a ... Read more
Reader Question:
88104: Avoid Cytology Preparation Trap
Question: Can we bill 88104 and 88108 together for the same non-gyn cytology specimen if t... Read more
88104: Avoid Cytology Preparation Trap
Question: Can we bill 88104 and 88108 together for the same non-gyn cytology specimen if t... Read more
Reader Question:
Distinguish 'NOS' From 'NEC' to Pinpoint ICD-9 Choice
Question: Our pathologist diagnosed a malignant renal neoplasm involving the kidney and ur... Read more
Distinguish 'NOS' From 'NEC' to Pinpoint ICD-9 Choice
Question: Our pathologist diagnosed a malignant renal neoplasm involving the kidney and ur... Read more
You Be the Coder:
TC/26 Split Goes All the Way
Question: If our rural hospital lab receives a biopsy specimen and performs accessioning, ... Read more
TC/26 Split Goes All the Way
Question: If our rural hospital lab receives a biopsy specimen and performs accessioning, ... Read more
Repeat Pap Test:
795.0x: Break Frequency Barriers For Subsequent Pap Orders
Distinguish diagnostic, high-risk, low-risk. Knowing the frequency coverage rules for scre... Read more
795.0x: Break Frequency Barriers For Subsequent Pap Orders
Distinguish diagnostic, high-risk, low-risk. Knowing the frequency coverage rules for scre... Read more
ICD-10:
795.0x to R87.61- Makes Smooth Shift for Pap Abnormalities
Look for low-risk/high-risk HPV distinction in ICD-10.You can expect a smooth transition f... Read more
795.0x to R87.61- Makes Smooth Shift for Pap Abnormalities
Look for low-risk/high-risk HPV distinction in ICD-10.You can expect a smooth transition f... Read more
Medicare Billing:
Distinguish Diagnostic vs. Screening Pap Test Procedure Codes
Method leads HCPCS or CPT® choices.CPT® provides 14 codes to describe the lab'... Read more
Distinguish Diagnostic vs. Screening Pap Test Procedure Codes
Method leads HCPCS or CPT® choices.CPT® provides 14 codes to describe the lab'... Read more
ICD-10 Countdown:
Escape HIPPA Compliance Fines With ICD-10 Readiness
Explore 6 FAQs to ramp up your ICD-10 coding know-how. You'll face denials if your... Read more
Escape HIPPA Compliance Fines With ICD-10 Readiness
Explore 6 FAQs to ramp up your ICD-10 coding know-how. You'll face denials if your... Read more
Reader Question:
+88311: Don't Abuse Unit of Service
Question: When we perform a decalcification in addition to the pathologist's tissue exam, ... Read more
+88311: Don't Abuse Unit of Service
Question: When we perform a decalcification in addition to the pathologist's tissue exam, ... Read more
Reader Question:
99360 May Compensate Frozen Section Standby
Question: Our pathologists sometimes "standby" during surgery to perform intraoperative co... Read more
99360 May Compensate Frozen Section Standby
Question: Our pathologists sometimes "standby" during surgery to perform intraoperative co... Read more
Reader Question:
88331 Plus Touch Prep Requires Documentation
Question: Our pathologist performed a touch preparation and frozen section on a bisected l... Read more
88331 Plus Touch Prep Requires Documentation
Question: Our pathologist performed a touch preparation and frozen section on a bisected l... Read more
Reader Question:
Surgical Procedure Determines Pathologist Prostate Work
Question: What is the specimen number cutoff for using prostate saturation biopsy "G" code... Read more
Surgical Procedure Determines Pathologist Prostate Work
Question: What is the specimen number cutoff for using prostate saturation biopsy "G" code... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Forget 'Pass' for FNA
Question: Our pathologist performed an adequacy check for two transbronchial FNA passes an... Read more
Forget 'Pass' for FNA
Question: Our pathologist performed an adequacy check for two transbronchial FNA passes an... Read more
ICD-9 2012:
704.4x, 286.5x: Get Specific With Cyst, Hemorrhagic Disorder Coding
Plus, 999.4x changes 'shock' to 'reaction.' If your lab bills transfusion medicine service... Read more
704.4x, 286.5x: Get Specific With Cyst, Hemorrhagic Disorder Coding
Plus, 999.4x changes 'shock' to 'reaction.' If your lab bills transfusion medicine service... Read more
ICD-10:
999.4x to T80.5xx-: 'Reaction' Turns to 'Shock' Again
Don't miss 7th digit 'A', 'D', or 'S.'ICD-9 2012 changes the term "anaphylactic shock" to ... Read more
999.4x to T80.5xx-: 'Reaction' Turns to 'Shock' Again
Don't miss 7th digit 'A', 'D', or 'S.'ICD-9 2012 changes the term "anaphylactic shock" to ... Read more
Clinical Lab:
85025 Ordered? Don't Change CBC Coding for Manual Diff
Establish 'no platelet' reporting alternatives, too.When your lab runs an ordered 85025 (B... Read more
85025 Ordered? Don't Change CBC Coding for Manual Diff
Establish 'no platelet' reporting alternatives, too.When your lab runs an ordered 85025 (B... Read more
Version 5010:
Make Sure Your Electronic Transactions Don't Bomb on Jan. 1
Compliance, payment, and ICD-10 hang in the balance.Say goodbye to forms 4010/4010A1 for e... Read more
Make Sure Your Electronic Transactions Don't Bomb on Jan. 1
Compliance, payment, and ICD-10 hang in the balance.Say goodbye to forms 4010/4010A1 for e... Read more
Reader Question:
Catch Up to ICD-10 Timeline
Question: We just learned about ICD-9 2012 changes that go into effect Oct. 2011. How ma... Read more
Catch Up to ICD-10 Timeline
Question: We just learned about ICD-9 2012 changes that go into effect Oct. 2011. How ma... Read more
Reader Question:
V76.47 Won't Work for Some Payers
Question: When we bill for a screening Pap for a post-hysterectomy patient, we've found th... Read more
V76.47 Won't Work for Some Payers
Question: When we bill for a screening Pap for a post-hysterectomy patient, we've found th... Read more
Reader Question:
Meet State and Federal Lab Test Guidelines
Question: Our physician office lab performs the VS-SENSE test for vaginal symptoms, which ... Read more
Meet State and Federal Lab Test Guidelines
Question: Our physician office lab performs the VS-SENSE test for vaginal symptoms, which ... Read more
Reader Question:
83952 Captures Opiates
Question: We have physician clients from a rehab facility that frequently order our standa... Read more
83952 Captures Opiates
Question: We have physician clients from a rehab facility that frequently order our standa... Read more
You Be the Coder:
88305: Save it for Prolapse Final Diagnosis
Question: We sometimes have pathology reports for hysterectomy with a pre-op diagnosis of ... Read more
88305: Save it for Prolapse Final Diagnosis
Question: We sometimes have pathology reports for hysterectomy with a pre-op diagnosis of ... Read more
CPT® 2012 Preview:
Get to Know New Clinical Lab Codes -- HIV Antigen and NMPP22
Drug screen reconsideration tops commentators' concerns. If your lab runs a single... Read more
Get to Know New Clinical Lab Codes -- HIV Antigen and NMPP22
Drug screen reconsideration tops commentators' concerns. If your lab runs a single... Read more
Surgical Pathology:
88305, 88307: Snatch Appropriate Lymph Node Pay With These 4 Tips
Know when to bundle and when to separately code.If you get cold feet about separately char... Read more
88305, 88307: Snatch Appropriate Lymph Node Pay With These 4 Tips
Know when to bundle and when to separately code.If you get cold feet about separately char... Read more
ICD-10:
042 to B20: Look for Direct Crosswalk for HIV Codes
Expect ICD-10 to have you code first for HIV complicating pregnancy. Barring ICD-10 ch... Read more
042 to B20: Look for Direct Crosswalk for HIV Codes
Expect ICD-10 to have you code first for HIV complicating pregnancy. Barring ICD-10 ch... Read more
'Clip and Save' Brings Home Lymph Node Pay
You can usually separately charge for lymph nodes with these specimens.Coders often wonder... Read more
You can usually separately charge for lymph nodes with these specimens.Coders often wonder... Read more
Physician Signatures:
It's Official: CMS Retracts Lab Requisition Signature Requirement
Long awaited proposal is finally here.Clinical laboratories can exhale at last. On June 30... Read more
It's Official: CMS Retracts Lab Requisition Signature Requirement
Long awaited proposal is finally here.Clinical laboratories can exhale at last. On June 30... Read more
Reader Question:
Zero in on Reason for Urinalysis
Question: A physician client routinely sends our lab orders for "screening" urinalysis for... Read more
Zero in on Reason for Urinalysis
Question: A physician client routinely sends our lab orders for "screening" urinalysis for... Read more
Reader Question:
88104 Vs. 88172 Depends on Surgical Procedure
Question: When our cytology lab processes a cyst aspirate specimen, how do we know when to... Read more
88104 Vs. 88172 Depends on Surgical Procedure
Question: When our cytology lab processes a cyst aspirate specimen, how do we know when to... Read more
Reader Question:
88261 Shouldn't Double Up for One Study
Question: Our lab runs a chromosome analysis for growth retardation that involves counting... Read more
88261 Shouldn't Double Up for One Study
Question: Our lab runs a chromosome analysis for growth retardation that involves counting... Read more
Reader Question:
733.90 Vs. 733.99 Contrasts 'Other' and 'Unspecified'
Question: The pathologist diagnoses a femoral head resected for a joint replacement surger... Read more
733.90 Vs. 733.99 Contrasts 'Other' and 'Unspecified'
Question: The pathologist diagnoses a femoral head resected for a joint replacement surger... Read more
Reader Question:
88321 Boasts Special Medicare Restriction
Question: Our pathologist received a request for a consultation on slides from an outside ... Read more
88321 Boasts Special Medicare Restriction
Question: Our pathologist received a request for a consultation on slides from an outside ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
153: How Should You Code for Overlap?
Question: Our pathologist diagnosed malignant neoplasm of the colon and did not indicate t... Read more
153: How Should You Code for Overlap?
Question: Our pathologist diagnosed malignant neoplasm of the colon and did not indicate t... Read more
ICD-9 2012:
173 and 041: Get Specific With Fifth Digits for Skin Cancer, E. coli
Get up to speed on CMS's final proposed update to ICD-9-CM code set.Pathologists will need... Read more
173 and 041: Get Specific With Fifth Digits for Skin Cancer, E. coli
Get up to speed on CMS's final proposed update to ICD-9-CM code set.Pathologists will need... Read more
ICD-10:
173.xx Specificity Lost in Translation to C44.xx
You'll shed the basal cell/squamous cell distinction in 2013.You'll barely have time to ge... Read more
173.xx Specificity Lost in Translation to C44.xx
You'll shed the basal cell/squamous cell distinction in 2013.You'll barely have time to ge... Read more
CCI 17.2:
88387, +88388: Expect New Restrictions for Molecular Diagnostics Prep
Beware C. diff and HLA crossmatch bundles, too.Already hemmed in by CPT® instruction... Read more
88387, +88388: Expect New Restrictions for Molecular Diagnostics Prep
Beware C. diff and HLA crossmatch bundles, too.Already hemmed in by CPT® instruction... Read more
Reader Question:
V15.89 Justifies Pap Frequency
Question: Our lab performed a screening Pap test for a 35-year-old Medicare patient and re... Read more
V15.89 Justifies Pap Frequency
Question: Our lab performed a screening Pap test for a 35-year-old Medicare patient and re... Read more
Reader Question:
Capture Multiple FNA Steps
Question: Our pathologist performed a fine needle aspiration for a cervical cyst and evalu... Read more
Capture Multiple FNA Steps
Question: Our pathologist performed a fine needle aspiration for a cervical cyst and evalu... Read more
Reader Question:
87502 Gets CPT® Correction
Question: Our lab is performing a multiplex amplified probe technique for multiple influen... Read more
87502 Gets CPT® Correction
Question: Our lab is performing a multiplex amplified probe technique for multiple influen... Read more
Reader Question:
88112 Captures Pleural Effusion
Question: The cytology lab performs an exam of a pleural effusion specimen (obtained throu... Read more
88112 Captures Pleural Effusion
Question: The cytology lab performs an exam of a pleural effusion specimen (obtained throu... Read more
You Be the Coder:
You Might Not be Stuck with 0 RVUs
Question: Why do some codes, such as 80050 and 80051, not have an associated RVU value on ... Read more
You Might Not be Stuck with 0 RVUs
Question: Why do some codes, such as 80050 and 80051, not have an associated RVU value on ... Read more
Anatomic Pathology:
88305, 88307: 3 Tips Bring Home Fibroid Pay
Don't let bundling and diagnosis quirks ambush your leiomyoma claims.If you're reporting y... Read more
88305, 88307: 3 Tips Bring Home Fibroid Pay
Don't let bundling and diagnosis quirks ambush your leiomyoma claims.If you're reporting y... Read more
ICD-10:
D25 Replaces 218 for Future Fibroid Diagnosis
You'll still use location to choose the right code.When your pathologist diagnoses uterine... Read more
D25 Replaces 218 for Future Fibroid Diagnosis
You'll still use location to choose the right code.When your pathologist diagnoses uterine... Read more
ABN Modifiers:
GZ Will Earn Quick Denial Starting July 1
Plus GX is back for patient responsibility.When your Medicare payer processes a denial qui... Read more
GZ Will Earn Quick Denial Starting July 1
Plus GX is back for patient responsibility.When your Medicare payer processes a denial qui... Read more
GA-GZ:
Here's the 'A' to 'Z' of ABN Modifiers in Simple Chart Form
Use this table to pick the right modifier -- every time. With four choices and ch... Read more
Here's the 'A' to 'Z' of ABN Modifiers in Simple Chart Form
Use this table to pick the right modifier -- every time. With four choices and ch... Read more
Lab Compliance:
Expect Official Lab Requisition Physician Signature Retraction by Year's End
You shouldn't need to meet the requirement in the meantime.While you wait for CMS to offic... Read more
Expect Official Lab Requisition Physician Signature Retraction by Year's End
You shouldn't need to meet the requirement in the meantime.While you wait for CMS to offic... Read more
Reader Question:
236.2 Replaces Morphology Code for Billing
Question: The pathology report for an ovary specimen lists M8470/1 for the tumor registry ... Read more
236.2 Replaces Morphology Code for Billing
Question: The pathology report for an ovary specimen lists M8470/1 for the tumor registry ... Read more
Reader Question:
87077, 87081 Vie for CLO Test
Question: When the pathology report lists a CLO test for H. pylori from a stomach biopsy... Read more
87077, 87081 Vie for CLO Test
Question: When the pathology report lists a CLO test for H. pylori from a stomach biopsy... Read more
Reader Question:
88342, 88360, 88361 Need Clarification
Question: What CPT® codes should we report for breast specimen tests listed with the... Read more
88342, 88360, 88361 Need Clarification
Question: What CPT® codes should we report for breast specimen tests listed with the... Read more
Reader Question:
80061 Frequency Can Clog Claims
Question: The lab received a total cholesterol order for a 65-year-old established Medicar... Read more
80061 Frequency Can Clog Claims
Question: The lab received a total cholesterol order for a 65-year-old established Medicar... Read more
You Be the Coder:
88307 Vs. 88309 Distinguish Prostate Service
Question: The pathologist examines a "simple prostatectomy" specimen with four right-pelvi... Read more
88307 Vs. 88309 Distinguish Prostate Service
Question: The pathologist examines a "simple prostatectomy" specimen with four right-pelvi... Read more
Clinical Lab:
G0103 vs. 84153: Can't Miss PSA Coding With These 3 Guidelines
Educate clients -- their diagnosis coding can make or break your claim. When your... Read more
G0103 vs. 84153: Can't Miss PSA Coding With These 3 Guidelines
Educate clients -- their diagnosis coding can make or break your claim. When your... Read more
ICD-10:
Swap V Code with Z Code for PSA Screenings
You'll find a one-to-one relationship for both screening and diagnostic PSA diagnoses.When... Read more
Swap V Code with Z Code for PSA Screenings
You'll find a one-to-one relationship for both screening and diagnostic PSA diagnoses.When... Read more
Terminology Challenge:
214 Dx--" Don't Make These 3 Lipoma Coding Errors
Use the listed code -- every time.Q. When is a skin specimen not a skin specimen? A. ... Read more
214 Dx--" Don't Make These 3 Lipoma Coding Errors
Use the listed code -- every time.Q. When is a skin specimen not a skin specimen? A. ... Read more
CPT® 2012:
83890-83914: Planned Obsolescence Brings Host of New Codes
Look ahead to a new way of coding molecular tests.Molecular assay reporting will never be ... Read more
83890-83914: Planned Obsolescence Brings Host of New Codes
Look ahead to a new way of coding molecular tests.Molecular assay reporting will never be ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Not Every Panel is a CPT® Panel
Question: A physician ordered a urine "kidney stone risk panel" for a patient with serial ... Read more
Not Every Panel is a CPT® Panel
Question: A physician ordered a urine "kidney stone risk panel" for a patient with serial ... Read more
Reader Questions:
88305-88309 Capture Range of Gastrectomy Specimens
Question: Our pathologist received the following case in a single container: Gastrectomy c... Read more
88305-88309 Capture Range of Gastrectomy Specimens
Question: Our pathologist received the following case in a single container: Gastrectomy c... Read more
Reader Questions:
V73.81 Trumps V72.31 for Screening HPV
Question: Our lab has an ob-gyn client that orders a screening high risk HPV test as part ... Read more
V73.81 Trumps V72.31 for Screening HPV
Question: Our lab has an ob-gyn client that orders a screening high risk HPV test as part ... Read more
Reader Questions:
V76.51 Holds Steady for FOBT Orders
Question: When a physician orders a screening FOBT test using diagnosis code v76.51 and t... Read more
V76.51 Holds Steady for FOBT Orders
Question: When a physician orders a screening FOBT test using diagnosis code v76.51 and t... Read more
Reader Questions:
82962 Not Limited to Home
Question: Our physician-office lab performs glucose tests using a "home use" portable moni... Read more
82962 Not Limited to Home
Question: Our physician-office lab performs glucose tests using a "home use" portable moni... Read more
You Be the Coder:
88329: Assess Gross Exam Charge
Question: Sometimes our pathologist performs an exam of a kidney biopsy to ensure that the... Read more
88329: Assess Gross Exam Charge
Question: Sometimes our pathologist performs an exam of a kidney biopsy to ensure that the... Read more
Coding Case Study:
88305, 88307 Bridge ECC and LEEP Tissue
Capture separate specimens to boost your bottom line.If your pathologist examines a cervic... Read more
88305, 88307 Bridge ECC and LEEP Tissue
Capture separate specimens to boost your bottom line.If your pathologist examines a cervic... Read more
ICD-10:
Expect More Choices for Cervical CIN III, Severe Dysplasia
Add cervical site for ICD-10 diagnosis.When your pathologist diagnoses cervical carcinoma ... Read more
Expect More Choices for Cervical CIN III, Severe Dysplasia
Add cervical site for ICD-10 diagnosis.When your pathologist diagnoses cervical carcinoma ... Read more
Influenza Testing:
87804, 87400, 87254: Don't Miss Pay for Second Flu Strain
Lab method directs code choice.Influenza -- is that A or B? If your lab test helps yo... Read more
87804, 87400, 87254: Don't Miss Pay for Second Flu Strain
Lab method directs code choice.Influenza -- is that A or B? If your lab test helps yo... Read more
Lab Compliance:
Look for Lab Requisition Physician Signature Reprieve
CMS to halt April implementation.The new requirement for physician signatures on lab test ... Read more
Look for Lab Requisition Physician Signature Reprieve
CMS to halt April implementation.The new requirement for physician signatures on lab test ... Read more
Reader Questions:
80051 Plus 82435 Requires Modifier
Question: A physician ordered an electrolyte panel for a patient, and then ordered a separ... Read more
80051 Plus 82435 Requires Modifier
Question: A physician ordered an electrolyte panel for a patient, and then ordered a separ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Find CLIA-Waived List for Your Lab
Question: We are a CLIA waived lab. How can we find out if a specific test kit is somethin... Read more
Find CLIA-Waived List for Your Lab
Question: We are a CLIA waived lab. How can we find out if a specific test kit is somethin... Read more
Reader Questions:
88363: Make Sure You Understand 'Archival'
Question: We have a pathologist who signed out a case on Jan. 6, 2011. When he selected ti... Read more
88363: Make Sure You Understand 'Archival'
Question: We have a pathologist who signed out a case on Jan. 6, 2011. When he selected ti... Read more
Reader Questions:
V10.46: Personal History Supports PSA Test
Question: The lab receives an order for a PSA test for a patient one year after successful... Read more
V10.46: Personal History Supports PSA Test
Question: The lab receives an order for a PSA test for a patient one year after successful... Read more
You Be the Coder:
88305, 88161: Beware Bundles
Question: When our pathologist processes a lymph node specimen, he often prepares touch ... Read more
88305, 88161: Beware Bundles
Question: When our pathologist processes a lymph node specimen, he often prepares touch ... Read more
CPT 2011:
80100, 80101, 80104 Focus Non-Medicare Drug Screens
Unit of service is payment key.One new code gives labs a way to report drug screens by mul... Read more
80100, 80101, 80104 Focus Non-Medicare Drug Screens
Unit of service is payment key.One new code gives labs a way to report drug screens by mul... Read more
ICD-10:
Focus on Drug Dependence vs. Abuse to Assign Diagnosis
You won't find one-to-one crosswalk for drug use.ICD-9 does not provide one specific code ... Read more
Focus on Drug Dependence vs. Abuse to Assign Diagnosis
You won't find one-to-one crosswalk for drug use.ICD-9 does not provide one specific code ... Read more
CPT 2011:
88363: 4 Tips Crack the Tissue Selection Code
Capture $38.05 with this new-opportunity code.When your pathologist examines and selects p... Read more
88363: 4 Tips Crack the Tissue Selection Code
Capture $38.05 with this new-opportunity code.When your pathologist examines and selects p... Read more
88380 and 88363:
Don't Double Dip for Microdissection
Distinguish 88387 family, too.New for CPT 2011, 88363 (Examination and selection of retrie... Read more
Don't Double Dip for Microdissection
Distinguish 88387 family, too.New for CPT 2011, 88363 (Examination and selection of retrie... Read more
Laboratory Notes:
Put 16 New CLIA-Waived Lab Tests on Your Docket
Don't forget modifier QW.Labs will have 16 new tests that you'll be able to report as "CLI... Read more
Put 16 New CLIA-Waived Lab Tests on Your Docket
Don't forget modifier QW.Labs will have 16 new tests that you'll be able to report as "CLI... Read more
Reader Questions:
82270, 82272 May Hinge on Specimen Number
Question: A physician sends a single fecal specimen from a DRE to the lab and orders "colo... Read more
82270, 82272 May Hinge on Specimen Number
Question: A physician sends a single fecal specimen from a DRE to the lab and orders "colo... Read more
Reader Questions:
86903 Units Add Up
Question: A blood transfusion patient showed two allo-antibodies: anti-C and anti-Jka. Our... Read more
86903 Units Add Up
Question: A blood transfusion patient showed two allo-antibodies: anti-C and anti-Jka. Our... Read more
Reader Questions:
87207 Captures Stain Interpretation
Question: The lab performs direct and concentrated blood smear Giemsa stain to rule out ma... Read more
87207 Captures Stain Interpretation
Question: The lab performs direct and concentrated blood smear Giemsa stain to rule out ma... Read more
Reader Questions:
681.0x Leads Finger Infection Choices
Question: A physician ordered a culture to identify the pathogen involved in a soft tissue... Read more
681.0x Leads Finger Infection Choices
Question: A physician ordered a culture to identify the pathogen involved in a soft tissue... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Does Modifier Override MUE?
Question: How should we code a claim when the units performed exceed the Medicare MUE?Arka... Read more
Does Modifier Override MUE?
Question: How should we code a claim when the units performed exceed the Medicare MUE?Arka... Read more
CPT 2011:
88120-88121: Zero In on Bladder Cancer ISH Test
UroVysion® finds its code niche.If you've been confused about how to report urine sp... Read more
88120-88121: Zero In on Bladder Cancer ISH Test
UroVysion® finds its code niche.If you've been confused about how to report urine sp... Read more
88120, 88121 Won't Solve PhD Problem
You'll still need physician for professional component. You can't report 88367... Read more
You'll still need physician for professional component. You can't report 88367... Read more
ICD-10:
Bladder Cancer Still Hinges on Location
Here's what you should look for in physician's documentation. When ICD-9 becom... Read more
Bladder Cancer Still Hinges on Location
Here's what you should look for in physician's documentation. When ICD-9 becom... Read more
HCPCS 2011:
G0431, G0434 Encompass Medicare Drug Screens
CMS deletes G0430 and won't pay for 80100, 80101, 80104.Forget everything you thought you ... Read more
G0431, G0434 Encompass Medicare Drug Screens
CMS deletes G0430 and won't pay for 80100, 80101, 80104.Forget everything you thought you ... Read more
Reader Questions:
36592 With Lab Test is a 'Go'
Question: The CPT book includes a note under 36592 stating, "do not report 36592 in conjun... Read more
36592 With Lab Test is a 'Go'
Question: The CPT book includes a note under 36592 stating, "do not report 36592 in conjun... Read more
Reader Questions:
88333, +88334 Depend on Site/Specimen Distinction
Question: Our pathologist performed two intraoperative touch preps, one on specimen A, lef... Read more
88333, +88334 Depend on Site/Specimen Distinction
Question: Our pathologist performed two intraoperative touch preps, one on specimen A, lef... Read more
Reader Questions:
259.9 Covers Vague TSH Dx
Question: The physician ordered a TSH test with the diagnosis "decreased TSH." How should ... Read more
259.9 Covers Vague TSH Dx
Question: The physician ordered a TSH test with the diagnosis "decreased TSH." How should ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check 72-Hour Rule Relevance
Question: Our pathologist examined a lip biopsy specimen from outpatient surgery performed... Read more
Check 72-Hour Rule Relevance
Question: Our pathologist examined a lip biopsy specimen from outpatient surgery performed... Read more
Reader Questions:
88342 Unit of Service Debated
Question: Our billing company told us that we can now charge a special antibody stain (883... Read more
88342 Unit of Service Debated
Question: Our billing company told us that we can now charge a special antibody stain (883... Read more
You Be the Coder:
88363 Won't Take Modifiers 26, TC
Question: Is new code 88363 for a technical or professional service?Answer: Code 88363 (Ex... Read more
88363 Won't Take Modifiers 26, TC
Question: Is new code 88363 for a technical or professional service?Answer: Code 88363 (Ex... Read more
CCI 17.0:
87501-87502 Bundles Could Cramp Your Molecular Diagnostics Pay
Look for ISH bundling limits, too. Think you're ready to use all those brand new C... Read more
87501-87502 Bundles Could Cramp Your Molecular Diagnostics Pay
Look for ISH bundling limits, too. Think you're ready to use all those brand new C... Read more
Lab Compliance:
You Won't Need Ordering Physician Signature -- Yet
CMS delays need for signed requisitions until after first quarter, 2011. If you've... Read more
You Won't Need Ordering Physician Signature -- Yet
CMS delays need for signed requisitions until after first quarter, 2011. If you've... Read more
Medicare Screening:
Expanded Preventive Service Pay Could Pad Your Bottom Line
Waiving deductible may increase usage. If your lab performs certain screening tests fo... Read more
Expanded Preventive Service Pay Could Pad Your Bottom Line
Waiving deductible may increase usage. If your lab performs certain screening tests fo... Read more
Chicken Scratch Won't Count
Learn what constitutes an acceptable signature, according to CMS. You'll soon need to mak... Read more
Learn what constitutes an acceptable signature, according to CMS. You'll soon need to mak... Read more
Reader questions:
88321, 88323, 88325 Require Specific Date of Service
Question: Our pathology lab performs outside consults on referred slides from other insti... Read more
88321, 88323, 88325 Require Specific Date of Service
Question: Our pathology lab performs outside consults on referred slides from other insti... Read more
Reader questions:
82985 and 83836 May Go Together
Question: We receive denials from Medicare and some insurance companies when we bill 8298... Read more
82985 and 83836 May Go Together
Question: We receive denials from Medicare and some insurance companies when we bill 8298... Read more
Reader questions:
V73.89 and More Allow HIV Screening Pay
Question: We're trying to bill Medicare for HIV screening -- what diagnosis code sho... Read more
V73.89 and More Allow HIV Screening Pay
Question: We're trying to bill Medicare for HIV screening -- what diagnosis code sho... Read more
Reader questions:
82930 and 83986 Bundle Gastric Acid pH Test
Question: We used to report our gastric acid analysis using 82926 and 83986 for free and ... Read more
82930 and 83986 Bundle Gastric Acid pH Test
Question: We used to report our gastric acid analysis using 82926 and 83986 for free and ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
88172, 88333 Bundling Hurdles Abound
Question: I'm concerned about bundling rules for FNA and core biopsy performed together. ... Read more
88172, 88333 Bundling Hurdles Abound
Question: I'm concerned about bundling rules for FNA and core biopsy performed together. ... Read more